Systems and methods for managing yarn

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for managing one or more yarn sources are disclosed. Namely, several embodiments of containers are disclosed, in which the container can be custom-configured to dispense yarn from one or more yarn sources with reduced tangling or knotting.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/389,449, having the title “Systems and Methods for Managing Yarn,”filed on 2009 Feb. 20, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/030,840, filed on 2008 Feb. 22, havingthe title “Accessory for Knitting and Crocheting with Multiple Yarn andThread Management,” both of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to knitting and crocheting, andmore particularly to systems and methods of managing yarn.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, knitting and crocheting have become quite popular as ahobby, pastime, or even a personal business. As the craft has becomemore popular, the industry has developed specialty yarns for use incustomized projects. Additionally, various knitting accessories havedeveloped for use by a knitting or crocheting craftsperson, whether thecraftsperson be using ordinary yarn or specialty yarn.

Despite the growth of the industry, there still exist needs that havenot yet been addressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1A shows a top view drawing disclosing components of a first disc(“disc A”).

FIG. 1B shows a front view of disc A.

FIG. 1C shows a different perspective view of disc A.

FIG. 1D shows a cross section view of disc A.

FIG. 2A shows a top view drawing disclosing components of another disc(“disc B”).

FIG. 2B shows a front view of disc B.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of disc B.

FIG. 2D shows a cross section view of disc B.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of a handle.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the handle.

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the handle.

FIG. 3D shows a side view of the handle.

FIG. 4A shows a top view of a canister disclosing several components.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section perspective view of the canister.

FIG. 4C shows a side perspective view of the canister.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of a base disclosing selected components.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the base.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective cross-section view of the base.

FIG. 5D shows a perspective view of the base showing selected componentswith a close-up view of one component called-out.

FIG. 5E shows a bottom perspective view of the base.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of one embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows a cross-section perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.6A.

FIG. 7A shows a cross-section perspective view disclosing components ofthe base.

FIG. 7B shows a bottom perspective view of the base.

FIG. 7C shows a disassembled view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ballexternal feed.

FIG. 8B shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ballinternal feed.

FIG. 8C shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn ballexternal and internal feeds.

FIG. 8D shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnballs, each with external feeds.

FIG. 8E shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnballs, each with internal feeds.

FIG. 8F shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnballs, each with external and internal feed.

FIG. 9A shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skeinexternal feed.

FIG. 9B shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skeininternal feed.

FIG. 9C shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with yarn skeinexternal and internal feeds.

FIG. 9D shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnskeins, each with external feeds.

FIG. 9E shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnskeins, each with internal feeds.

FIG. 9F shows a side perspective view of an embodiment with two yarnskeins, each with an external and an internal feed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments asillustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit thedisclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents.

Creating a hand-crafted knit or crochet article involves yarn or thread.Yarn is available in a variety of formats, not limited to, skein, smallball, large ball, by-the-weight, hanks, and spools. Yarn can be 2-, 4-,5-, 8-, 10-, 13-, or 14-ply. Ply references the “thickness” of eachstrand of yarn. The thinnest yarn is 2-ply and the thickest diameter ofyarn is 14-ply.

Patterns for the various yarns sometimes require a project to be knit orcrocheted with a single strand of yarn, or, knit or crocheted with twoor more strands of yarn. The newer project patterns are aimed at acraftsperson who wants a project that can be completed quickly. Theseprojects usually are worked with two or more strands of yarn. Thecraftsperson can use strands of the same yarn color, or, differentcolors yarns.

There is no standard method for preparing the manufacturer's yarnproduct for any given project. Each craftsperson determines how toconvert the yarn product into a usable configuration. More often thannot, the quickest, but not necessarily the simplest, method is to findthe yarn beginning from the interior core of a skein. When found, theyarn beginning is pulled from the center of the skein. Another methodincludes, but is not limited to, unwinding the skein from the outsideand winding the yarn end into a ball with the outer end from the yarnskein becoming the inside of the ball, and the interior of the yarnskein becoming the outside of the ball, and is the start end for thecraftsperson's project.

A more experienced craftsperson can wind the yarn into a ball in such aconfiguration that presents the craftsperson two separate ends to enablea project entailing two separate strands to be used simultaneously froma single ball of yarn. One end is pulled from the center of the ballwhile the second strand is unwrapped from the outer end.

Regardless of the conversion method and subsequent yarn configuration,the craftsperson pulls the yarn end from the yarn source in the processof creating the project. The yarn is unwound from the source and workedinto the project as the craftsperson progresses. It is common andunavoidable for the source portion of the yarn to roll around as thecraftsperson pulls the yarn. This happens if the configuration is a ballor if the yarn is pulled directly from the skein. Another challenge ofthe un-winding characteristic of yarn is managing the yarn to preventthe multiple yarn source feeds from twisting or tangling together.

Newer novelty yarns are especially susceptible to twisting or tanglingby virtue of the manufacturing process to combine the various texturesthat make up each yarn type. Many of these yarns have a texture, width,or other attribute that prevent them from being used in an accessorywith a dispensing opening that is smaller in diameter than the yarnattributes require. Yarn widths may very from less than aquarter-of-an-inch (¼″) to more than two-and-a-half inches (2.5″) andmay be composed of multiple strands of fiber.

When knitting or crocheting a project with a single or multiple strandsof yarn, managing the various yarn sources can be cumbersome andtime-consuming for the craftsperson. Both experienced and less skilledcraftspersons can become quickly frustrated trying to cope with yarnsources rolling away, twisted yarn, and knotted tangles. The skilled andnovice craftsperson spends considerable additional time trying toprevent yarn from twisting, tangling, and the source yarn rolling awayas the yarn is pulled from the source for use in the project.

While there have long been accessories to carry the project componentsfor working remotely and to store the components when the craftspersonis not actively working on the project, and more-recently accessories todispense a single ball of a traditional yarn source, it appears thetime-consuming and frustrating task of managing multiple yarn sourceswith a single accessory continues to be considered another skillrequired of the craftsperson as well as another component of theproject. A single, low-center of gravity system that does not roll whenthe craftsperson pulls the yarn, manages the multiple yarn sources,accommodates diversity of yarn properties, is easy-to-use, andre-focuses the craftsperson's time to completing the project is desired.

Briefly described, one embodiment of the accessory comprises a molded,clear plastic cylinder fitted with vertical channels to hold two,plastic discs that can be fitted horizontally or vertically to separatethe yarn sources. Each disc has four semi-circular punch-outs (oropenings) positioned at approximately equal intervals around theperiphery of the disc within which the yarn is placed when thecraftsperson fits the disc horizontally over the yarn source. When thedisc is fit vertically, up-right skeins are supported separately.Multiple yarn sources can be managed, or disbursed, simultaneously. Thecanister and base shape form a low center of gravity to reduce thephenomena of tipping over when the craftsperson pulls the yarn in theprocess of completing a project.

One embodiment of the invention provides the craftsperson a method toobtain two yarn sources from a single yarn skein, as well as eliminatethe preparation time to convert the skein to a ball in order to use theexterior yarn end as a project source, a time-saving conveniencepreviously not readily feasible due to the manufacturing methodologyused to wind the yarn skein.

In yet another embodiment, the craftsperson can decide to create a ballconfigured with an internal yarn end feed as well as the standardexternal yarn end feed and insert a disc horizontally with each yarnfeed maintained separately through one of four punch-outs. Positioning asecond ball on top of the first horizontally placed disc and providing asecond disc with each yarn feed maintained separately through one of theremaining punch-outs, aids the craftsperson in the completion of theproject with four different yarn sources.

One embodiment of the accessory allows the craftsperson control of theyarn preparation method. Another embodiment of the accessory providescraftsperson flexibility to use this disclosure device to compliment thecraftsperson's preferred method of dispensing yarn. The device, withyarn inside, can be used while sitting on the floor next to thecraftsperson, while sitting next to the craftsperson or while heldinside the craftsperson's utility tote. When used while held inside autility tote, one embodiment of the accessory allows the yarn to befreely pulled without interference by the other contents of the utilitytote.

Another embodiment includes punch-outs (or openings) located around theperiphery of each disc to maintain separation of the yarn sources whenthe disc(s) is inserted horizontally.

Another embodiment allows the craftsperson to determine horizontalplacement of each disc independent of the other disc. Controlling thedisc placement over the yarn source ensures that each yarn source isisolated in an area adequate to support the innate movement of the yarnsource and maintain the separation of each yarn source feed to preventtangling of the separate yarn sources when yarn is pulled by thecraftsperson. The devices described herein shield the yarn source fromcurious and playful observers such as cats, dogs, and children.Additionally, the devices described herein protect the yarn source fromcoming in contact with dirt, dust, and pollutants generally exposed onfloors and other work surfaces.

Another embodiment provides the craftsperson easy access to the yarnsources to untangle a yarn strand that catches on the source as the yarnis pulled in the process of creating the project. It is not necessaryfor the craftsperson to sever, or cut, the yarn strand from the sourceto free the strand from the accessory in order to untangle the strand,as is occasionally required if the yarn was fed through a hole in theaccessory top. It is an acceptable practice for a manufacturer toprepare a specified skein length or other measure of yarn by knottingtwo of more lengths together. Thus, as the craftsperson pulls the yarn,a knot can unexpectedly appear. If the craftsperson is using anaccessory where the yarn is fed through a hole, the knot could abruptlystop the yarn feed forcing the craftsperson to stop working on theproject and remedy the blockage. The punch-outs used in several of thedevices described herein are designed to allow such knots to passunaided without creating a blockage.

Several unique elements of the devices described herein (e.g., verticalchannels molded in the canister, yarn feed punch-outs, tension arms ofthe discs, interchangeable vertical or horizontal disc configuration anddisc storage, etc.) make for a unique accessory.

Prior to describing in great detail the interaction between each of thecomponents and sub-components of the preferred embodiments, as shown inthe drawings, it is worthwhile to identify the individual components forthe purposes of clarity. With that said, attention is turned to each ofthe drawings.

FIGS. 1A through 1D show one embodiment of a disc 102, which can be usedto separate yarn sources (not shown). In this embodiment, the disc 102includes a plurality of notches 108A, 108B, 108C, 108D (collectivelyreferred to herein as 108). In a preferred embodiment, there are four(4) total notches 108, that are located approximately equidistant fromeach adjacent notch 108, mainly, at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock,and 12 o'clock positions along the disc 102 periphery. As described ingreater detail below, these notches 108 are used as guides. In additionto the notches 108, the preferred embodiment of the disc 102 alsoincludes tension bars 106A-106H (collectively referred to herein as106), each of which has a ball-shaped end 104A-104H (collectivelyreferred to herein as 104). These tension bars 106 provide for afriction-fit of the disc 102, as described below. The preferredembodiment of the disc 102 also includes punch-outs (or openings)112A-112D (collectively referred to herein as 112) that are locatedaround the periphery of the disc 102. There are also, preferably,extruding components 110A-110H (collectively referred to herein as 110)on both sides of each punch-out 112 to define the opening 112 fordispensing yarn, as described in greater detail below. The punch-outs112 provide an opening for dispensing one or more yarn sources, asdescribed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 2A through 2D show components of a second disc 202. In a preferredembodiment, the second disc 202 is substantially identical to the firstdisc 102 and is interchangeable with the first disc 102. As such, thesecond disc 202 also includes components 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 thatcorrespond to the components 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first disc102. Since those components 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 are described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1A through 1D, that description will not beduplicated here. However, it should be noted that the second disc 202need not be identical to the first disc 102 for other embodiments, solong as, functionally, either disc can separate multiple yarn sources.

FIGS. 3A through 3D show a preferred embodiment of a handle 302. In thepreferred embodiment, the handle has a semi-circular shape and includeselements (or snaps) 304A, 304B (collectively referred to herein as 304)that are configured to mate with corresponding holes, as describedbelow.

FIGS. 4A through 4C show a preferred embodiment of a canister 402. Inthis preferred embodiment, the canister 402 takes on a substantiallycylindrical shape with a substantially round base. However, it should beappreciated that the canister 402 can take on other cylindrical shapesor prism-like shapes having other geometric shapes that define its base.The canister 402 shown herein includes channels 404A-404D (collectivelyreferred to herein as 404), which extend vertically along the insidewall of the canister 402. For this particular embodiment each channel404 extends the entire height of the canister 402. However, it should beappreciated that the channels 404 need not extend along the entireheight. For this embodiment, there are the four (4) total channels 404,that are located approximately equidistance from each adjacent channel404, namely, at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clockpositions along the inside wall of the canister 402. As such, eachchannel 404 corresponds to a notch 108, 208 on one of the discs 102,202, and for some embodiments the channels 404 are configured to guidethe horizontal insertion of the discs 102, 202 into the canister 402 byslidably mating with their corresponding notches 108, 208. For otherembodiments, the channels 404 provide a guide for the vertical insertionof the discs 102, 202. On the inside wall of the canister 402, therealso exist additional channels 406A-406H (collectively referred toherein as 406), which are configured to slidably mate with theball-shaped ends 104, 204 on the tension bars 106, 206 of the discs 102,202 as the discs are inserted horizontally into the canister 402. As theball-shaped ends 104, 204 insert into their corresponding channels 406,the tension bars 106, 206 provide a friction-fit of the discs 102, 202to prevent them from easily slipping. On the inside wall of the canister402, there also exists additional stop-notches 408A-408H (collectivelyreferred to herein as 408) which are configured to slidably mate withextruding components 110 to define the opening 112 for dispensing yarn.The canister 402 also includes holes 410A, 410B (collectively referredto herein as 410) for receiving the corresponding elements (or snaps)304 on the handle 302. It should be appreciated that for both thecanister 402 and the discs 102, 202, the number and position of all ofthe components may be varied without detrimentally affecting thefunction of the accessory. While discs 102, 202 are shown in thepreferred embodiments, it should also be appreciated that other dividerscan be used to separate the yarn sources.

FIGS. 5A through 5E and 7A through 7C show preferred embodiments of abase 502. The preferred embodiment of the base 502 includes a bottom 504and four (4) brackets 506A-506D (collectively referred to herein as506). The brackets 506 are configured to mate with the bottom of thecanister 402 to provide an enclosure for yarn sources. In a preferredembodiment, the base 502 is friction-fit to the canister 402 via thebrackets 506. However, it should be appreciated that other matingtechniques can be used, such as a clip or snap, without affecting thefunction of the base 502. For other embodiments, the base 502 alsoincludes a storage area 512 that can hold the discs 102, 202. Similar tothe channels in the canister 402, the base 502 includes several channels510A-510D (collectively referred to herein as 510) which allow theball-shaped ends 104, 204 of the discs 102, 202 to snap into place. Inthe preferred embodiment, the base 502 also includes a ridge 514 thatprevents the discs 102, 202 from easily falling out of the storage area512.

FIGS. 6A through 6C show a preferred embodiment of an assembledaccessory, with both discs 102, 202 inserted horizontally into thecanister 402. It should be appreciated, as shown in FIGS. 8A through 8F,that a single disc 102 (or 202) can be used for a single yarn source,rather than having to insert both discs 102, 202. As shown in FIGS. 6Athrough 6C, when the base 502 and the canister 402 define a chamber (orcavity) in which one or more yarn sources can be inserted, so that theyarn can be dispensed from the chamber. It should be appreciated that,while the current embodiments show the chamber as being defined by themating of two components (base 502 and canister 402), the chamber can bedefined by a single, unitary structure that integrates the base 502 withthe canister 402. In other words, the accessory need not be fabricatedfrom two separate components (base 502 and canister 402), but may befabricated as an integrated, single component. Also, while the currentembodiments show the cavity (or chamber) being separated into multiplesub-chambers (or sub-cavities) using the substantially-circular discs102, 202, it should be appreciated that other dividers can be used tocreate the needed sub-chambers.

FIGS. 8A through 8F and 9A through 9F show several embodiments of theaccessory as it is dispenses one or more yarns 1004, 1006, 1104, 1106,1204, 1206, 1304, 1306 from one or more yarn sources 1002, 1102, 1202,1302.

Having identified each of the individual components of the accessory,the interplay between each of the components is described in greaterdetail below.

One embodiment of the accessory shows a canister 402 in which theproject yarns are placed, base 502 attached to the bottom of canister402 that provides stability and storage for discs 102 and 202 when notin use, a handle 302, and two, substantially identical, interchangeablediscs 102 and 202. Plastic manufacturing processes can be used to createthe canister 402, base 502, handle 302, and discs 102 and 202. For someexample, but not limiting, embodiments, the canister 402 can betransparent or semi-transparent to show the yarn that is being used inthe accessory. In other embodiments, the canister 402 can be opaque,with a solid color or patterned outside for aesthetic purposes.Similarly, for some but not limiting embodiments, the base 502, handle302, and discs 102, 202 can be semi-transparent or opaque to suit thetastes of the craftsperson. In other embodiments, the base 502, handle302, and discs 102, 202 can be transparent to match the canister 402,should the canister 402 be manufactured as a transparent item.

Discs 102 and 202 can fit inside canister 402 horizontally to createadjustable shelves to separate plural yarn ball (or skein) sources. Disc102 or 202 can also fit inside canister 402 vertically as a divider tohold plural yarn skein (or ball) sources separately and upright. Whennot in use, discs 102 and 202 can be snapped into the base 502 bottomstorage area 512.

In a preferred embodiment, inside the canister 402, the surface isdesigned with four sets of five vertical channels 404, 406, and 408located at approximately equal intervals around the interior periphery.Center channel 404 (404A, 404B, 404C and 404D) holds disc 102 (or 202)in place when inserted in the vertical position to divide canister 402.When used in the vertical position, disc 102 (or 202) slides intochannels 404A and 404C (or 404B and 404D) located on diametricallyopposite sides of canister 402. For this embodiment, none of theremaining vertical channels 404B and 404D (or 404A and 404C), 406, 408are used when the present disclosure is configured with a disc verticaldivider as shown in FIGS. 9D, 9E and 9F.

Center channel 404 can also act as the guide for inserting discs 102 and202 in the horizontal position. There are four sets of five disccomponents: ball-shaped ends 104, notches 108, and extruding components110 (collectively referred to herein as components 104, 108, 110). Thesecomponents 104, 108, 110 are preferably located at approximately equalintervals around the periphery of disc 102 (202) corresponding to thefour sets of components located along the inside of canister 402.Instruction and arrow 116 (216) guide the craftsperson to insert disc102 (202) with disc notch 108 (208) matching canister 402 center channel404. When disc notch 108 (208) is fit over canister 402 center channel404, the remaining disc component pairs 104 (204) and 110 (210)automatically align respectively with canister 402 component pairs 406and 408. The canister 402 component pairs 406 are 406H and 406A, 406Band 406C, 406D and 406E, 406F and 406G. The canister 402 component pairs408 are 408H and 408A, 408B and 408C, 408D and 408E, 408F and 408G.

One embodiment of disc 102 (202) includes the tension bar arm designedin four sets of pairs 106A and 106B (206A and 206B), 106C and 106D (206Cand 206D), 106E and 106F (206E and 206F), and, 106G and 106H (206G and206H). Each arm ends with a ball shape respectively 104A and 104B (204Aand 204B), 104C and 104D (204C and 204D), 104E and 104F (204E and 204F),and, 104G and 104H (204G and 204H). The ball end 104 (204) pairs slideup and down in the respective canister shallow, trough-shaped 406 pairsto hold disc 102 (202) in the horizontal orientation placementdetermined by the craftsperson.

The tension bar arm 106 (206) is flexible to provide the tensionnecessary to hold the disc 102 (202) placed by the craftsperson at thedetermined horizontal location. This embodiment ensures that each yarnsource is isolated in an area adequate to support the innate movement ofthe yarn source and maintain the separation of each yarn source feed toprevent tangling of the separate yarn sources when yarn is pulled by thecraftsperson. The flexible arms 106 (206) enable the disc 102 (202) tobe slipped into canister U-shaped channel 404 for a vertical divider andto be snapped into the base storage area 512.

An embodiment of canister 402 includes the stop-guard channel 408designed to keep the thread or yarn within the respective punch-out area(or opening) 112 (212) as it is being pulled. Each stop-guard channel408 is L-shaped and makes up the last of the five elements in the foursets of vertical channels 404, 406, and 408 located at approximatelyequal intervals around the interior periphery of canister 402.

Each of the four sets of vertical channels 404, 406 and 408 locatedaround the interior periphery of canister 402 corresponds to arespective set of disc 102 (202) components 104 (204), 108 (208), 110(210). The four disc component sets 104 (204), 108 (208), 110 (210) areseparated by four, semi-circular punch-out areas 112 (212) through whichthe yarn is run. Firmly woven yarn diameter up to one inch and noveltyyarns in excess of two inches can be pulled unimpeded through punch-outareas 112 (212).

With disc 102 (202) inserted into canister 402 in the horizontalposition, there is a stop-guard channel 408 located on either side ofeach punch-out area 112 (212) and keeps the yarn from sliding out of thecontainment area and getting caught in the tension bar arm 106 (206).The stop-guard 408 on one side of the punch-out area 112 (212) is theoutside channel of one set of four vertical channels 408A, 408C, 408E,and 408G. The stop-guard 408 on the other side of the punch-out 112(212) is the outside channel of a different set of four verticalchannels 408B, 408D, 408F, and 408H.

Correspondingly, an embodiment of disc 102 (202) includes the stop-guardnotch 110 (210) that slides against canister L-shaped channel 408 whendisc 102 (202) is inserted in canister 402 in the horizontal position.The stop-guard notch 110 (210) is located on either side of a punch-out112 (212) and keeps the yarn from sliding out of the containment areaand getting caught in the tension bar arm 106 (206). The stop-guardnotch 110 (210) on one side of the punch-out is the outside component ofone set of four disc components 110B, 110D, 110F, and 110H. Thestop-guard notch 110 (210) on the other side of the punch-out is theoutside component of a different set of four disc components 110A, 110C,110E, and 110G.

Another embodiment, among others, of disc 102 (202) includes two holes114A (214A) and 114B (214B) located in the center area. The craftspersoncan insert a finger in each hole 114A and 114B when removing orinserting disc 102 or 202 into the bottom storage area 512 or thecanister 402.

Handle 302 elements 304A and 304B snap into canister 402 through holes410A and 410B. Handle 302 rests along the outside of canister 402 whenhandle 302 is not in use. Handle 302 swings upright when in use. Snap304A (304B) can be squeezed and pushed back out through hole 410A (410B)to be removed.

Preferably, base 502 fits on the bottom of canister 402 and is held intoplace by four brackets 506A, 506B, 506C and 506D located at equalintervals around base 502. When in place, base plate 504 forms thebottom of canister 402 and is the bottom shelf on which yarn source(s)rest.

One embodiment, among others, of base 502 provides a lower center ofgravity to stabilize the accessory to remain upright and resist thetorsional or lateral forces caused by the yarn sources as they unravelor pull.

Another embodiment, among others, includes base storage area 512 intowhich discs 102 and 202 can be snapped when not in use.

In yet another embodiment, among others, disc tension bar ball end 104(204) snaps into base storage area 512. As illustrated in FIG. 7 andFIG. 5E, disc tension bar ball end 104F snaps into base channel 510A andball end 104G is matched with 510B. The flexibility of disc tension bararm 106 allows ball end 104 to squeeze beyond base ridge 514 and snapinto storage cavity 512. Base embodiment 508 fits against discembodiment 110 to keep the disc in place. Disc finger holes 114 (214)are used to pull disc 102 (202) in reverse action to unsnap respectivedisc and remove from base storage area 512.

With respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, it is the craftsperson's choice whichconfiguration will be used for a specific project. The twelveconfigurations illustrated are given as “examples” herein are intendedto be non-limiting.

One embodiment, among others, of the present invention automaticallyaligns disc punch-out 112 and 212. The four disc punch-out areas 112A,112B, 112C, and 112D (212A, 212B, 212C, and 212D) will consistently belocated in the same relative position to the four sets of channelembodiments of canister 402. These embodiments re-enforce learnedbehavior predictability for the craftsperson to become proficient atdraping each yarn source over the canister 402 and having such placementbe within a punch-out area 112 (212). This predictability reduces theprobability of frustration experienced when lining up each yarn sourceto be aligned with the respective punch-out area 112 (212).

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate three possible configurations of a singleball yarn source 1002. FIG. 8A is a placement of yarn feed 1004 from theexternal ball winding. Yarn source 1002 could be configured by thecraftsperson with yarn feed 1006 from the internal of the yarn ball. Athird configuration (FIG. 8C) of yarn source 1002 is shown with bothfeed 1004 from the external ball winding and feed 1006 from theinternal. This embodiment, among others, keeps each yarn feed separatedby placement through respective punch-out 112. Another embodiment, amongothers, lets the horizontal placement of disc 102 (202) at a distanceabove yarn ball 1002 to ensure that each yarn source is isolated in anarea adequate to support its innate movement yet still maintain theseparation of each yarn source feed to prevent tangling when theseparate sources are pulled by the craftsperson.

FIGS. 8D, 8E and 8F illustrate parallel configurations to 8A, 8B and 8Cwith a second ball yarn source 1102. FIG. 8D illustrates ball yarnsources 1002 and 1102 each configured respectively with yarn feed 1004and 1104 from the external ball winding. FIG. 8E illustrates ball yarnsources 1002 and 1102 each configured respectively with internal yarnfeeds 1006 and 1106. The third configuration (FIG. 8F) illustrates ballyarn sources 1002 and 1102 each shown with external feeds 1004 and 1104,and internal feeds 1006 and 1106 respectively for a total of four yarnsource feeds. This embodiment, among others, keeps each yarn feedseparated by placement through respective punch-outs 112 (212). FIGS.9A-9F parallel FIGS. 8A-8F with the exception FIGS. 9A-9F are shownusing skein yarn source(s) and disc 102 (202) is positioned to dividecanister 402 vertically.

The craftsperson knowledgeable in the art of knitting or crocheting willuse the present disclosure to manage one or more yarn sources used inthe creation of a project. The present disclosure is designed toseparate the yarn sources and reduce the tangling of the yarn as thecraftsperson progresses through a project.

Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will beclear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes,modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may bemade. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should thereforebe seen as within the scope of the disclosure.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a chamber to hold a yarn source; and adivider to insert into the chamber, the divider having an opening, theopening to guide yarn that is dispensed from the yarn source.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises: a base; and acanister mated to the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecanister is substantially cylindrical.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2: thecanister comprising a channel located on the inside of the canister; andthe divider comprising a notch, the notch being configured to slidablymate with the channel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, the divider beingconfigured to insert substantially horizontally into the chamber.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 2, the divider being configured to insertsubstantially vertically into the chamber.
 7. An apparatus, comprising:a canister; a divider configured to insert into the canister, thedivider comprising an opening, the opening configured to channel throughyarn from a yarn source; and a base configured to mate with the canisterto define a chamber, the chamber configured to hold the yarn source, thebase having a storage compartment to store the divider.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, further comprising a handle, the handle configured to matewith the canister.